bóc xén
Definition
- Verb:
- To embezzle, to misappropriate, to pilfer: To steal money or assets, especially those placed in one's trust or belonging to an organization or the public, often in a gradual, deceitful, or exploitative manner.
- To exploit, to fleece: To take unfair advantage of someone, typically by overcharging or by taking more than one's fair share, resulting in the victim's loss.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Hắn ta bị bắt vì tội bóc xén tiền của công ty. (He was arrested for embezzling company funds.)
- Những kẻ tham nhũng đã bóc xén ngân sách nhà nước. (The corrupt officials misappropriated the state budget.)
- Người bán hàng đó chuyên bóc xén khách du lịch. (That vendor specializes in fleecing tourists.)
Advanced Usage
- The word "bóc xén" carries a strong negative connotation of greed, deceit, and abuse of power or position. It implies a process that is often hidden, systematic, or exploitative.
- It is commonly used in contexts of corruption, financial crime, and unethical business practices.
Variants and Related Words
- Bóc lột (verb): To exploit (often used in socio-economic contexts, e.g., labor exploitation). While related, "bóc lột" is broader and doesn't always imply direct theft of money.
- Tham nhũng (noun/verb): Corruption / to be corrupt. "Bóc xén" is often a specific action within "tham nhũng".
- Biển thủ (verb): To embezzle, to misappropriate. This is a very close synonym, often used in legal or formal contexts.
Synonyms
- Embezzle: To steal (money or goods) placed in one's trust.
- Misappropriate: To dishonestly or unfairly take something, especially money, for one's own use.
- Pilfer: To steal (typically things of relatively little value) in small quantities.
- Fleece: To overcharge or swindle (someone).
Related Idioms
- "Bóc xén của công": To embezzle public property/funds. This is a very common collocation.
- "Bóc xén tiền bạc": To embezzle/misappropriate money.